TOP Scottish driver David Coulthard has confirmed he will retire from Formula One at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old from Twynholm in Scotland announced his decision ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, which will be his 237th start.

The Red Bull Racing veteran made his debut with the Williams team in 1994 before joining McLaren two years later.

Coulthard remained with the Woking-based squad for nine seasons before joining Red Bull in 2005.

Coulthard’s break in Formula One came in the wake of Ayrton Senna’s death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

The Scot was promoted from his test driving duties at Williams to replace the Brazilian, making his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix.

His first victory in Formula One came at the 1995 Portuguese Grand Prix, while 12 more wins followed with McLaren between 1996 and 2004 – including double wins at the British and Monte Carlo Grands Prix.

His final win came at the 2003 Australian Grand Prix. To date, Coulthard has scored 62 podiums and 533 championship points.

“Working with David has been an absolute pleasure and his contribution to the team over the past four seasons has been significant,” said Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner.

“He is a consummate professional and I think that one of the key elements to the length of his career is the dedication he has applied and the commitment he has shown.

“He scored our first point, our first podium and was the first of our drivers to lead a grand prix. Within the team there is a huge amount of respect for David.

“His retirement brings to a close not just his career as a grand prix racing driver but also a chapter in the history of Formula One, if one considers the changes the sport has been through while he has been involved with it.”